Siena: Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia e Palio

Siena City
Center

Main points of interest in Siena

There are a plethora of wonders to visit in this city if you stay ad La Barriera di San Lorenzo - Dimora Storica.

From the majestic Piazza del Campo, recognisable all over the world for its unique shape, to the imposing Torre del Mangia from which it is possible to admire all of Siena and its valley. There are a myriad of works by the greatest medieval artists in the city of the Palio, to be admired in the Palazzo Civico, the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana, the Santa Maria della Scala and the Pinanoteca Nazionale.

The walls of Siena encase not only art but also many areas of greenery in which to relax, such as the Orto dei Pecci, the Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden) and the splendid Fortezza Medicea.

One cannot think of Siena without recalling its most significant event - "Il Palio". This competition of Medieval origin is held between the 'contrade' (districts) of Siena and is held twice annually on 2nd July and 16th August.

Piazza del Campo

A universal symbol of the city, with its characteristic shape of a shell divided into 9 sections, it is dedicated to the 'Governo dei Nove' and renowned all over the world for its beauty and architectural detail.

UNESCO heritage is situated at Palazzo Pubblico, and the famous Torre del Mangia is the magical place where every year (July 2 and August 16), since the Middle Ages, the famous Palio horse race is held.

For more information: www.enjoysiena.it

Duomo di Siena

Built in a Romanesque-Italian gothic style and dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, this is one of the best loved architectural masterpieces in Italy.

Within it are masterpieces by the great artists, from Nicola Pisano to Duccio di Buoninsegna, and from Michelangelo to Donatello.

The Piccolomini Library also forms part of the Cathedral, and is renowned for its Pinturicchio frescos.

Don't miss the Crypt, which dates back to 1200 and was only discovered in 1999, and the Baptistery, which dates back to 1300.

For more information: www.operaduomo.siena.it

Santa Maria della Scala

The Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala, which is located in Piazza Duomo, right in front of the Cathedral, was originally a hospital and a place of welcome for travellers, pilgrims and sick and abandoned children.

Nowadays, it serves as a location for great exhibitions, and is home to collections that reflect the history of the entire city, starting from Etruscan and Roman times, through to the Middle Ages and up to the Renaissance.

For more information: www.santamariadellascala.com

Pinacoteca Nazionale

A museum whose collections reflect the history and developments in Sienese painting from XIIIth to XVIIIth century.

Located in Via San Pietro, it exhibits the works of major local artists, including several paintings by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Domenico Beccafumi.

For more information: www.pinacotecanazionale.siena.it